Silk & Scandal

Eight years ago…
Thomas Cartwright and Lady Nicola Fitzgibbons were friends. Over the wall separating their homes, Thomas and Nicola talked of all things – his studies to become a barrister, her frustrations with a lady’s limitations.

All things end.
When her diplomat father gains a post in Hong Kong, Nicola must follow. Bored and alone, she falls into scandal. Mired in his studies of the law and aware of the need for circumspection, Thomas feels forced to sever their ties.

~ Excerpt ~

Thomas took a breath, knowing he had to phrase this just right. “Lady Nicola, while I am cognizant of the honor you do me, I don’t believe it appropriate you visit me in my chambers. Shall we arrange a time that suits us both, perhaps for a walk about the park?”

China-blue eyes laughed at him. “Oh, pish. Don’t be such a fuddy-duddy, Thomas. We never stood on such ceremony before.”

Didn’t she know he couldn’t be her friend? Not since their ways had parted and she’d become who she was, while he had become who he was. “Our situations were different before, Lady Nicola. It is not appropriate for a lady of your standing to visit a bachelor in his chambers.”

“Who is going to comment? No one knows I’m here.”

Was she serious? “My clerk knows you’re here. By now, the senior clerk undoubtedly knows you’re here. Before ten minutes have passed, everyone in the building will know you’re here.”

“Well, then, they are a bunch of shocking gossips, and I should not like to know them any better.” She folded her hands in her lap.

“Not the point, Nicola.” Bloody hell, but she drove him mental. She tore at him and picked at him until he didn’t know where he stood. Always she’d done this, taken what little sense he had and driven it right out of his brain.

“I should say it is the point. Our visit would not distress you, if it weren’t for them.”

“It should distress me in any case. You should not be here.”

“Do you know what I’m hearing, Thomas? I’m hearing a vast amount of negativity, when you’ve not even greeted me properly. Why, you’ve yet to kiss my hand, or perhaps give me a h-hug.” Chin up, she looked at him with eyes brimming, and he saw right through her facade. She was truly hurt he’d not yet greeted her as he should.

Helpless, he stared at her. How did she do it? How did she turn his brain to mush? She’d been here less than five minutes, and already she had drawn him back in.

But she was right. He hadn’t greeted her as he should.

Standing, he went to her and drew her to her feet. “Welcome home, Nic.” And he hugged her.

~ Reviews ~

I adore novels, but there is something special about a short story that I truly love. When a short story is as emotional and engaging and well done as this one is, it’s a treat to be savored. Cassandra Dean knows her craft, and it shows in every scene of her first Silk Series installment.
– Bridget, The Romance Reviews

The path towards opening [Thomas and Nicola’s] eyes and hearts to the truth about their feelings was done in a smart and scrumptious way that kept me clicking through the pages until the very end. An absolutely fabulous novella from their first letter until their last.
– Lady Rhyleigh, ARe Cafe

~ Behind the Story ~

What’s in a name?
Because I am stunningly unoriginal, SILK & SCANDAL is based upon UK tv series, Silk, a show about barristers and such starring Maxine Peake and Rupert Penry-Jones. Thus, while the story was still unencumbered by a title, I nicknamed it “Silk”. When it came time to give it a proper name, I thought the combination of the hero and heroine, ie Silk and Scandal, was a great idea!This then evolved into The Silk Series. Each book has a ‘silk’ and a something-or-other, with the silk comprising men and women who love the law and were kinda sorta studying at Cambridge all at the same time (kinda sorta as there are ladies in the ‘silk’ category and as the series is set in early Victorian times, I had to play fast and loose with the studying thing)
Anyhoo, that’s the story of Silk!

The Story Behind the Story
I was very flattered to be asked by Decadent Publishing to write a story to launch a new line. I had a bit of a think and, as I’ve mentioned previously, was hugely influenced by Silk at the time. Thus, Thomas the barrister and Nicola the scandalous lady were born. Huzzah!

~ Extras ~

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February 2015
Good news, peeps - SILK & SCARS, the third in the Silk Series, will be coming soon from Decadent Publishing. Check it out here.
In other news, TEACH ME will be available as an audiobook soon. More info as it arrives.
Keep checking back for updates.

January 2015
Happy New Year! Cassandra wishes you a prosperous and safe new year, with lots of fun and frivolity.
Writing wise, SLUMBER continues to do well and Cassandra is hard at work on the Works in Progress - check back regularly for updates.

December 2014
It's Christmas time! Cassandra has her decorations up and they look beautiful.SLUMBER was released in November and is already an All Romance eBooks bestseller! See what people are enjoying here.
Cassandra wishes you all a very merry holiday season, however you choose to celebrate, and a safe and happy new year.

November 2014
Huh. Wow. Totally missed October. Don't know what happened there.
However, exciting news - SLUMBER has a cover! There'll be a big cover reveal over the weekend of 6-9 November. Check back for the party!
Work continues on SILK & SCARS. Cassandra is so close to the finish line, she can taste it. She's also participating in NaNoWriMo with EMERALD SEA. She's determined to get the first draft done. Wish her luck!